Banahan confirms departure at end of season

Matt Banahan has confirmed that he will be leaving Bath Rugby at the end of the season to join Gloucester Rugby.

In a career spanning nearly 12 seasons with the Blue, Black and White, 31 year-old Banahan has made over 250 appearances and scored 90 tries to date.

Having joined Bath in 2006 as a forward, Jersey-born Banahan was moved to the wing by former coach Brian Ashton. Named in the wider England Sevens squad in 2007, Banahan then represented England Saxons three times in 2008, before making his senior debut in 2009 against Argentina. He went on to earn 16 caps for England, including being selected for the 2011 World Cup squad.

Todd Blackadder, Bath’s Director of Rugby, said: “We’ll be really sad to see Matt leave at the end of the season, but we completely understand the decision he has made with his family and future in mind.

“I’d like to thank him for all his efforts over the years - he’s been a fantastic servant for Bath. Everyone at the Club wishes him well with the next chapter of his career and will welcome him back to the Rec when the time comes. I’ve no doubt he’ll remain as committed as ever as we work to achieve our aims for the rest of the season.

“We’re working hard to ensure we get the right balance in the squad, taking into account the various complexities of building the squad we want long-term, and we will make further announcements on recruitment when appropriate.”